Radiologic Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Mission Viejo, CA: $55.89 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a radiologic technologist and technician working in Mission Viejo, CA runs $55.89 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $116,257 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2034). Weighted against Mission Viejo's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $49.41 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $69,748 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Radiologic technologists and technicians in Mission Viejo, CA, can expect a median hourly pay of $55.89 in 2026, significantly higher than the national median of $40.55. This advantageous hourly rate illustrates the earning potential for part-time and per-diem professionals within various healthcare settings, including hospital imaging suites, outpatient imaging centers, and urgent care X-ray rooms. For those working part-time, typically three days a week, this translates into a consistent paycheck while still allowing flexibility in their schedules. The hourly pay range inMission Viejo varies greatly, starting from $38.77 for entry-level positions to as much as $80.87 for experienced technicians, reflecting the diversity in skill levels and job responsibilities within this essential field.
About the Mission Viejo Market
Salary estimated from California average ($102,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Radiologic Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38.77 | $310.14 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $44.58 | $356.64 |
| Median (P50) | $55.89 | $447.10 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $68.00 | $543.97 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $80.87 | $646.99 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Mission Viejo
Based on $55.89/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $55.89/hr, a radiologic technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Mission Viejo, CA can expect to earn approximately $116,247 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $67,066. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Mission Viejo.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Mission Viejo
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,235.52 | $9,687 | $116,247 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,341.31 | $5,812 | $69,748 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $894.21 | $3,875 | $46,499 |
Compare RT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Radiologic Technologist and Technician (Mission Viejo) | $55.89 |
| MRI Technologist (National Avg) | $40.93 |
| Nuclear Medicine Technologist (National Avg) | $46.68 |
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (National Avg) | $42.41 |
| Respiratory Therapist (National Avg) | $37.72 |
Radiologic Technologist and Technicians in Mission Viejo, CA earn a median of $116,257 per year (2026 est.), which is 37.83% higher than the national median of $84,348 and 0.90% above the California state average of $115,220.
Radiologic Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $55.89/hr = $69,748/year (purchasing power: $61,669).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $116,247/year (purchasing power: $102,782).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$40.09/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$53.08/hr
2026 Current Est.
$55.89/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+46.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in Mission Viejo (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.29% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $40.09/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $41.01/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $40.66/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $43.16/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $48.64/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $55.98/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $53.08/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $55.89/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $58.84/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for radiologic technologists and technicians in Mission Viejo grew 32.4% from $40.09/hr (2019) to $53.08/hr (2025). At a 5.29% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $58.84/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem radiologic technologists and technicians can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Mission Viejo metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 5.29% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Radiologic Technologist and Technician in Mission Viejo
For those considering part-time roles in radiologic technology, working an average of 24 hours a week can lead to a significant annual income compared to full-time positions. Per diem radiologic technologists commonly find themselves billing between $40-$60 per hour, while cross-trained professionals in modalities such as CT or MRI might earn substantially more, with rates around $50-$75 per hour. Agencies offering travel rad tech contracts further inflate earnings, often ranging from $1,800 to $2,800 each week, especially for specialists. Hourly pay can fluctuate based on employer type; for instance, hospital imaging departments generally offer different compensation packages than outpatient imaging centers or urgent care chains. The trade-off presents an interesting dynamic; some radiologic technologists may accept lower hourly wages in exchange for benefits, while others chase higher pay without standard benefits. Strong negotiation skills can aid technicians in Mission Viejo to maximize their hourly rates in this competitive market, especially when considering opportunities for advancement through cross-training.
More salary data for Mission Viejo, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for radiologic technologists and technicians in Mission Viejo in 2026?
How much do part-time radiologic technologists and technicians make in Mission Viejo?
Are radiologic technologists and technicians in Mission Viejo paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time radiologic technologist and technician make per year in Mission Viejo?
Do radiologic technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Mission Viejo?
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Written by Jordan Lee, RT(R), RT(TM)
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has over 10 years of experience in radiologic technology. They specialize in mammography and work in an outpatient imaging center.
Methodology & Data Source
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 5.29% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for radiologic technologists and technicians in Mission Viejo. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Mission Viejo is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.29%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for radiologic technologist and technicians (SOC 29-2034).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, RT(R), RT(TM), a licensed radiologic technologist and technician with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov